A family unit still in spirit, Theresa, Jose and Annette Armas hold on to the memory of their lost son, Carlos Jose.

by Tennille Wright
photography by Scott Mirimanian

It is an artists’ wonderland, an array of merging colors not unlike the aftermath of a rainbow exploding and spraying colors in every direction. The shelves and bins hold natural wood objects—miniature detailed skulls, paintings, bride and groom figurines—authentic Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) objects, all waiting for you to bring them to life. This is what you find at CJ’s Angels. The retail and wholesale store sells a multitude of art and craft supplies and specializes in Dia de los Muertos.

The motivation and inspiration to open CJ’s Angels came after the Armas family (Jose, Annette and daughter Theresa) lost 12-year-old Carlos Jose in a home accident. “It changed our lives entirely,” says his mother Annette. “Sometimes I ask myself, ‘Was he really here; did I really have him.’ Then I say, ‘Yes; I have the scar to prove it.’” The couple opened the business as a way to be together, to preserve the memory of their beloved son and to continue doing what he loved to do. The business exists in his name to share his memory, to turn tragedy into triumph, and to continue an enterprise that he seemed destined to lead. “It seemed only right to name the business after the individual who inspired us,” says his mother. The family now pays tribute to him all year long. “You have goals, but you never know what is going to happen,” she adds. Carlos passed away in 2001. He could always be counted on as an enthusiastic helper for his father with art events. “He was a little salesman,“ she says.

Building a family business

Owners Jose and Annette Armas, married for 30 years, met in high school. Jose, born in Mexico, knew the value of a college education. “I look at my mom, dad and grandma, and they’re brilliant, but they didn’t have the opportunities.” The young, energetic and self-motivated Jose set goals for himself and his future wife. “He told me that his wife would have to be a college graduate.” Annette, a gentle yet powerful woman, joined him in college his sophomore year. Both are alumni of the University of California, San Diego, and have shared an artistic passion even though their majors were not in that area. They bring their eclectic artistic taste to their store. As newlyweds, they purchased a table saw and made their own sofa and love seat. Annette enjoys making crafts; before Carlos’ loss, her favorites included country art pieces. She would cut wood into the shapes of barn animals and paint them. Then, as a way to cope with his loss, Annette moved to the Dia de los Muertos art. “My pallets changed. I used to paint pigs and cows,” she reflects. Jose worked as an insurance salesman until he found his niche 13 years ago importing art under the name, “Culture of Excellence.”

While working as an insurance salesman, Jose would use his vacation to return to Mexico with his family in tow. Jose decided that he would help the artists of Mexico by becoming their bridge to a better life. “If you do it for the money, you will never be rich, but if you do it for the love, the money will come,” says Jose. The Armases import art directly from the artists. “I love to boast about the people who make the art, and I love the people we deal with,” says Jose. One artist shared that he gained amenities taken for granted—bathroom fixtures for his family—with the money made from CJ’s Angels.

It was not until 2002 that Annette and Theresa joined the business, and CJ’s Angels was born. At first, it was a home based business. “I asked myself, “Am I able to commit to set hours?” says Annette. The Armases decided on a commercial location at 2061 Wright St., No. A6, La Verne. The site provided them the option to sell both retail and wholesale. “I found a diamond on the floor, and I knew this was the location for us,” says Annette.

Theresa, a student at California State University, Los Angeles, is referred to by her father as the future of CJ’s Angels, due to her incredible artistic talent. “Theresa has taught me to respect people’s differences, says Jose. She combines her culture along with contemporary art to create original and refreshing artwork. “I think my style is more Indie. I appreciate Mexican art, and it influences me,” says Theresa. She also looks to her surroundings as motivation. “I like to watch people. I am always aware of what’s around.” Theresa’s quiet, kind and humble personality are polar opposite to her art. Her bright and fiery paintings demand respect and attention. Jose credits Annette and Theresa as the gems who set CJ’s Angels artwork apart from other art retailers.

Most of their revenue comes from selling wholesale to businesses in northern California. However, due to current economic hard times, the business has suffered. “We went from dealing with 25 stores to five stores,“ says Theresa. She believes they are fortunate to still be in business. Nevertheless, the family is changing its format. “We plan to decrease our overhead by operating online,” says Annette. “We are stocked at 2,000 items, but we plan on reducing our stock to about 300 when we go online,” says Jose.

The Armas are a testament of what it means to be a family. “We’re a relay team. We don’t drop the baton,” says Jose. Even through hard times they have found a way to remain loyal and faithful to one another. They continue to persevere, fueling their artistic passion with their love for the son they lost. “We could have folded when our son died, but instead he is what drives us,” says Jose. They stand together strong and united. “You will see us, and we will survive,” says Jose.

For more information, visit CJsangels.com.

Celebrating his life, the Armas family keeps a permanent altar on display in their La Verne store in remembrance of son Carlos Jose.

No related posts.

Judy and Art Moore fulfilled a longtime goal when they finally opened Café Cabo in downtown La Verne in December 2010. / photo by Christopher Guzman

by Tennille Lindsey-Wright
photography by Christopher Guzman

Close your eyes and picture Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. What do you see? How about a beautiful turquoise ocean, sand that stretches for miles, historic 18th century architecture, rock formations and the nicest people you will ever meet. This is exactly what you get when you walk into downtown La Verne’s newest Mexican restaurant, Café Cabo. The rustic yet modern décor offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ocean view and historic buildings are depicted on detailed wall paintings throughout the restaurant, and there is the Cabo ambience when you partake of their delicious food.

Art and Judy Moore and son A.J. Apodaca are co-owners of Café Cabo. They do a great job keeping the restaurant true to its theme, which is to create a home atmosphere modeled after their favorite vacation place, which they frequent at least twice a year. The owners are University of La Verne alumni, and their ULV diplomas adorn a wall. Judy and A.J. both received their master’s degrees from the University of La Verne in Public Administration. Daughter Tessy Granudos earned her ULV B.S. degree in Organizational Management. It is evident that the University holds a special place of honor for this family.

Judy Moore had always dreamed of opening a restaurant. She says she wanted to share her mother’s mouthwatering and hearty recipes with the world. “Of my mother’s five kids, I was the one to maximize her recipes. My family would always call me, asking how to make certain dishes. With four children of my own, I found myself cooking a lot of my mother’s recipes because Mexican food is not expensive, and it goes a long way when you are on a budget.” Nevertheless, it takes more than a dream and the ability to cook to open a restaurant. Judy never thought it would happen. Financial responsibilities and family obligations stood in the way. With Judy employed full-time as a project manager for Southern California Edison, her husband Art working in the car dealership business and son A.J. employed as a police officer, the desire continued to be just that, a dream. But fate had other plans. Her son A.J. sustained an injury as a Los Angeles police officer and was forced to retire early after 17 years of service. The family decided this was the right moment to put their plan into action. Originally, they were going to open a small taco stand, which they felt was ideal for first time restaurant owners. But a La Verne trip converted that small taco stand into something larger: a restaurant. While driving down D Street, the Moores noticed a for rent sign. Judy called the number, the conversation with the landlord went well, and Café Cabo was born. The Moores continue to work their full-time jobs while coordinating their restaurant schedules with one another and son A.J.

The grand opening was Dec. 15, 2010, and the Moores say the city of La Verne heartily welcomed Café Cabo. The owners joined the Chamber of Commerce, and Art has become a board alternate. A bonus comes for the University community: students and staff/faculty are able to receive a 10 percent meal discount, plus receive a VIP card that is hole-punched, awarding a 10th meal free. The owners are looking forward to becoming even more involved by hosting fundraising events for University and community organizations.

Old town D Street has recently seen several businesses close, some unexpectantly. The economy has left many people with shattered hopes. Café Cabo’s very location has been home to three recently failed business attempts. The owners are very aware of the history of their location yet are confident. They believe the downtown La Verne area will thrive again, and that the University of La Verne is an important support anchor. “Our strategy is to provide quality food and continue to introduce new unique dishes,” Judy says. Café Cabo will be introducing new foods such as “spinach enchiladas” and “mexi-skins.” The owners believe that offering several options to their customers and giving back to the community is the best way to ensure longevity and success.

The Café Cabo owners have also done their best to ensure their customers are receiving healthy food. Judy says she worked aggressively with her 20-year veteran cooks to ensure the proper delivery of her family recipes. These recipes do not include lard, trans fat or saturated fat. “We have developed our menu to accommodate vegetarians,” she says. Her own favorite dish? Chile verde, which is oven roasted, peeled, then ground in an old fashioned molcajete. The entire process takes more than four hours, a small time sacrifice, Judy says, to deliver the best to her customers.

Do not be surprised if you are greeted as “mijo,” which means my son, or “mija,” which means my daughter, when you walk through the doors of Café Cabo. Consider that the initiation into the Café Cabo family. Says Judy, “What makes our restaurant different from others is that once you walk in, you are part of our family. We want you to feel at home.”

The Café Cabo experience

It starts with the chips and salsa. For me, not partaking in this appetizer is the norm. I have since changed my opinion. The salsa, with its perfect blend of spices, has an authentic zesty flavor. Art Moore credits the flavorful salsa to his three-days-a-week grocery run for fresh produce. “I am constantly going to the store,” he says. “Fresh produce is the key to good food.” The mild or spicy salsa served with warm, crispy tortilla chips is a perfect introduction to Café Cabo’s cuisine wonderland. The menu consists of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and salads. What sounds like traditional Mexican food instead has its own flare that sets it apart. “We taste everything to make sure the quality is consistent,” Judy says. Do you want a burrito half chicken, half carne asada? No, that combination is not on the menu, but you can order it. Custom eating experiences are welcomed. To conclude the tasty adventure, a crunchy dessert called Buñelos, tortilla chips served warm with cinnamon and sugar, is served. With quality meats, fresh produce, outstanding customer service and a delicious dessert treat, this restaurant has become a customer favorite.

Chile rellenos and chile verde are among Café Cabo’s most popular fare, but this supreme carne asada taco is not far behind. / photo by Christopher Guzman

The Café Cabo experience

It starts with the chips and salsa. For me, not partaking in this appetizer is the norm. I have since changed my opinion. The salsa, with its perfect blend of spices, has an authentic zesty flavor. Art Moore credits the flavorful salsa to his three-days-a-week grocery run for fresh produce. “I am constantly going to the store,” he says. “Fresh produce is the key to good food.” The mild or spicy salsa served with warm, crispy tortilla chips is a perfect introduction to Café Cabo’s cuisine wonderland. The menu consists of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and salads. What sounds like traditional Mexican food instead has its own flare that sets it apart. “We taste everything to make sure the quality is consistent,” Judy says. Do you want a burrito half chicken, half carne asada? No, that combination is not on the menu, but you can order it. Custom eating experiences are welcomed. To conclude the tasty adventure, a crunchy dessert called Buñelos, tortilla chips served warm with cinnamon and sugar, is served. With quality meats, fresh produce, outstanding customer service and a delicious dessert treat, this restaurant has become a customer favorite.

No related posts.